Cassady McClincy Cast as “Lydia” in Season 9 of The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead has cast its Lydia. Rumor has it that Cassady McClincy will portray Carl’s love interest from The Whisperers comic arc in Season 9 of The Walking Dead. McClincy is most well-known for her work on Castle Rock (2018), Love, Simon (2018) and Ozark (2017).

In the comics, Lydia was taken prisoner at the Hilltop Colony after being captured by Jesus. There, she meets and strikes up a friendship and eventual relationship with Carl Grimes, having fully defected from her mother’s group and fighting alongside the survivors in the eventual war against them.

As you might imagine, this is quite the conundrum for the TV adaptation of this story as Carl Grimes (played by Chandler Riggs) was killed off in Season 8. Lydia’s entire story line in the comic book centers around her budding relationship with Carl. Much like Romeo and Juliet, Carl and Lydia are from two separate warring factions: Alexandria and The Whisperers. So, this forbidden love causes quite the drama.

The Walking Dead television series seems to have a plan of action to address this issue. It’s already been revealed that two different time jumps will occur in Season 9 – a 1.5 year time jump and an additional 5-6 year jump. Henry, originally played by Macsen Lintz, will be recast. Henry will then assume Carl’s comic story line with Lydia.

It’s being rumored that Henry will be played by Matthew Lintz in Season 9, the real life older brother of Macsen, who also happens to be an actor. And yes, they’re both related to Madison Lintz who played Sophia in Season 1 and 2. Apparently the Lintz family is taking over The Walking Dead.

If this all sounds confusing and overly complex, well, that’s because it is. In order to make the Carl and Lydia story line in the comics work for Season 9, they needed to introduce an age appropriate love interest. And since the show is lacking any notable young actors viewers are already familiar with, Henry is the only logical fit.

What do you think about this whole situation? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments section below.